European Union flights to continue in a no-deal Brexit

Ever since the UK voted to leave the European Union there have been many questions as to how it affects British holidaymakers.

Brexiteers have long called for the end of free movement which would restrict EU citizens entering the UK, despite European counterparts warning this would impact on British citizens travelling and living abroad. As the Brexit deadline looms and the prospect of a no-deal scenario edges closer to becoming a reality, the government has announced a breakthrough with the EU.

In accordance with plans put in place by the European Commission, both EU and UK airlines will continue to operate flights between the two regions even in the event of a no-deal on March 29th. The government stated that airlines would be able to make stops in EU countries and fly over EU airspace, with the offer being reciprocated for UK airspace.

The legislation will go before European Parliament for approval on March 13th with a final vote in council due over the next two weeks.

The announcement has been welcomed by the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) whose chief executive Mark Tanzer described it as “encouraging” but stressed the importance of avoiding a no-deal Brexit.

Mr Tanzer said: “Europe is the most popular holiday destination for UK travellers with 58 million trips made to the continent each year. More than three in five people are planning to take a trip to Europe this year, so travellers will be pleased to see the final confirmation from the UK on their ability to fly even in the event of a no-deal.

“It’s worth remembering that if the UK and the EU agree a deal, we will be in a transition period and everything will stay the same for travel until the end of 2020 – meaning people can continue to travel to the EU exactly as they do now.”

The idea of a no-deal Brexit is still a very possibility and holidaymakers that are due to travel abroad to ensure they have at least six month left on their passport on the date of their arrival into an EU country. You may wish to renew your passport to ensure it doesn’t affect your holiday plans.